Just 4.7km, the stage 1 individual time-trial at the 2024 Tour de Suisse was an exciting prospect for a number of riders in the peloton. In the end, it was Soudal - Quick-Step's Yves Lampaert who took the win and as a result, the overall race lead.
"This is a big, beautiful surprise," reflected the Belgian delightedly in his post-stage interview, having seen off competition from the likes of Stefan Bissegger, Ethan Hayter, Joao Almeida and Finn Fisher-Black among others. "It is wonderful that I can beat the great time trialists such as Stefan Küng and Stefan Bissegger here, especially in Switzerland. I am very proud that I succeeded."
Although perhaps not regarded as a time-trial specialist, does has previous wins against the clock, including most notable at the Tour de France back in 2022. "The distance suited me well. I am super happy," he continued his reflection of the day's events. "The level is super high in the peloton these days. I started to doubt myself, but I didn't lose faith in my abilities. I also continued to train hard. I am always the best version of myself and the fact that I won today is a super nice bonus."
As mentioned, with this win, Lampaert also moves into the Maillot Jaune of overall race leader. Whilst it's more than likely too much to ask of the 33-year-old to hold that position in the general classification for the rest of the week, stage 2's parcour could allow the Soudal - Quick-Step to at least keep the jersey for another day if he is strong.
"It's nice that I can wear yellow," Lampaert concludes, previewing the upcoming stage 2. "I hope that tomorrow will be a day where I can keep the jersey, that we will arrive at the line with a small group, which will probably include some sprinters. I'm looking forward to fighting for it."
